Internal ejector punch for blister-pack type containers

ABSTRACT

The present invention is embodied in a protective surround in combination with an “internal ejector punch.” The internal ejector punch is either integral to an upper membrane of the protective surround, or is simply disposed within a dome or bubble of a conventional blister-pack type container. For example, given a protective surround such as a blister pack, the internal ejector punch provides the capability to safely protect items within the blister pack such as medication in solid, soft or semi-solid, powder, or liquid form, while allowing such items to be easily and rapidly dispensed from the blister pack by a user. Further, the internal ejector punch is designed to be substantially stronger than the relatively soft blister-pack type container, thereby providing the added benefit of protecting items stored within the internal ejector punch in a manner that would not be possible using only a conventional blister-pack type container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of a previously filedutility application, Ser. No. 09/491,496 filed on Jan. 25, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an apparatus for protecting anddispensing items such as medication in solid, powder or liquid form, andmore particularly, to an apparatus which can be used by a person tosafely carry such items while protecting the items from damage orexposure and allowing the person to immediately and easily access thoseitems.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] “Blister packs” or “soft packs” are sometimes used to carryitems, such as specific dosage medication in pill or powder form, inreadily accessible, individually sealed and sterile compartments.Individual compartments making up the blister pack may be openedexclusively of any other compartments in the pack. Typically, thesecompartments are opened by pushing the contents of the compartmentthrough a frangible membrane sealing the compartment, or by peeling backa covering forming part of the compartment.

[0006] The frangible membrane used to seal the individual compartmentsof blister packs must be made weak enough that the contents of thecompartment may be forced through the frangible wall or membrane withoutbeing damaged. However, the unfortunate result of this construction isthat weak membranes are subject to tearing or rupturing. For example, ifa blister pack is carried in a user's pocket along with a set of keys orother hard items, it is not uncommon for damage to the membranes sealingone or more compartments to occur. Damage to a compartment typicallyexposes the contents of that compartment to environmental conditionssuch as moisture or contamination that can render the contents unusable.

[0007] The frangible membrane used to seal a compartment may be madestrong enough to minimize the possibility of inadvertent tearing orrupturing. However, while increased strength may appear desirable, theusefulness of such a configuration is limited in that forcing thecontents of the compartment through the membrane can become increasinglydifficult as the strength of the membrane is increased. Further, thestructural integrity of the contents of the compartment must beconsidered when increasing the strength of the membrane. For example,nitroglycerin pills, often carried by a person suffering from anginapectoris, are very soft, having a consistency similar to compactedpowdered sugar. Attempting to force such pills through even a very weakmembrane will tend to pulverize the pills, with the result that themedication is difficult or impossible to ingest.

[0008] Further, it is often desirable to place liquids or powders withina compartment of a blister pack. It is difficult to force suchcompositions through a frangible membrane. Making a membrane weak enoughto allow its use with liquids or powders often creates a configurationthat is extremely susceptible to damage by tearing and/or rupturing.

[0009] Blister pack configurations having coverings that may be peeledback to expose the contents of a compartment in the pack also haveproblems. For example, it is not uncommon for an area of the covering totear away in such a manner as to expose more than one compartment. Whereit is not desired to open or expose more than one compartment at a time,the contents of any additional fully or partially opened compartmentsmay be exposed to moisture or other contaminants that render thosecontents unusable.

[0010] Further, a common problem associated with peelable coverings isthat such coverings tend to give way suddenly as the surface area towhich they are attached decreases while they are being peeled back. Insuch cases, the contents of the compartment enclosed by the cover may beflung out of the compartment as the cover suddenly gives way. This mayresult in damage or contamination of the contents, thereby rendering thecontents unusable. In addition, such configurations are not suitable foruse in containing liquids or powders, as the possibility of spillage isdramatically increased.

[0011] Various solutions have been devised in an attempt to address someof the problems described above. For example, some blister packs havesharp external prongs designed to pierce a cover or seal, then to piercethe skin against which such blister packs are pressed. These blisterpacks have been designed to deliver intracutaneous injections of liquidmedication that coats the prongs. Such configurations are not capable ofdelivering powdered or solid medications or other items.

[0012] Other designs use cumbersome or complicated external cutterdevices designed to cut the covering of a compartment in a blister pack.For example, some blister packs have external cutters that must bepressed through a frangible covering, rotated to cut or tear thecovering, then pulled back or removed to expose the contents of thecompartment. Such devices can be complicated and expensive tomanufacture. Further, such devices may be difficult to operate,especially where they are designed to provide “child resistance,” and/orwhere the user has trembling or unsteady hands, or is otherwiseimpaired.

[0013] Still other blister pack designs use sharpened prongs within thecompartments of the pack to pierce a frangible covering to allow mixingof a binary compound contained within sub-compartments. However, simplypiercing the covering in one or more places does not provide an adequateopening to allow the contents of a compartment to be quickly andcompletely evacuated or removed from the compartment. Often, especiallywith powders and liquids, a portion of the contents remains in thecompartment and is lost because the prongs do not create a sufficientpath for complete egress of the contents. Consequently, use of suchdesigns requires either increasing the volume of the liquid or powder toaccount for the loss, or simply ignoring the issue altogether.

[0014] Still other solutions, such as requiring the blister pack to beplaced within separate mechanisms having cutters designed to open one ormore compartments, have been suggested. Such devices tend to berelatively expensive and complicated, especially where they must alsofunction as a medication dispenser for liquid and/or powder medications.

[0015] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that reduces oreliminates the problems described above with respect to the use ofcurrent blister pack type containers, while simultaneously accentuatingthe strengths associated with such containers. In particular, thisdevice should ensure that a blister pack type container could be sealedwith a membrane or covering of sufficient strength to preventinadvertent tearing or rupturing. To ensure that the contents of acompartment within the container are protected during removal, thedevice should ensure the contents of the compartment would not bedirectly forced through the membrane or covering in order to open thecompartment, or that the covering be manually peeled back to expose thecontents of the compartment. Further, the device should ensure thatblister pack type container will work equally well with solids, powders,soft or semi-solid items, or liquids without requiring external cuttersor opening devices. In addition, the device should ensure that, uponopening, the blister pack type container would provide an open path forcomplete evacuation of liquids and powders. The device should ensure theblister pack type containers would be extremely easy to open, even wherethe user was in an impaired state, or had unsteady or shaking hands.Finally, the device should be simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] To overcome the limitations in the related art described above,and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon readingand understanding the present application, the present invention isembodied in a protective surround in combination with an “internalejector punch.” The internal ejector punch is either integral to anupper membrane of the protective surround, or is simply disposed withina dome or bubble of a conventional blister-pack type device. Forexample, in the case of a protective surround such as a blister pack,the internal ejector punch provides the capability to safely protectitems within the blister pack such as medication in solid, soft orsemi-solid, powder, or liquid form, while allowing such items to beeasily and rapidly dispensed from the blister pack by a user. Further,the internal ejector punch is designed to be substantially stronger thanthe relatively soft blister-pack type container, thereby providing theadded benefit of protecting items stored within the internal ejectorpunch in a manner that would not be possible using only a conventionalblister-pack type container.

[0017] In general, the present invention is embodied in an “internalejector punch” defining a central open ended void or chamber withinwhich items that are to be dispensed are disposed. In one embodiment,this internal ejector punch is placed within a dome or blister of aconventional “blister pack” type container that is defined by a flexibleupper membrane including at least one depressing dome extending from thetop surface of the upper membrane, and a lower membrane which is sealedto the bottom of the upper membrane, thereby defining one or morestorage compartments within the container. Alternately, the internalejector punch is integral to the upper surface of the dome or blister.One advantage of providing an internal ejector punch which is separatefrom either membrane is that such an internal ejector punch can simplybe placed into existing blister pack type container designs without theneed to redesign such containers, or even retool the machinery used tofabricate such containers.

[0018] In either embodiment, items to be dispensed from within thecontainer are stored within the central void or chamber of the internalejector punch which serves the dual purpose of protecting those itemsand providing a mechanism for the easy and safe removal of the itemsfrom within the individual compartments of the container. Specifically,in either embodiment, the lower membrane of the container serves to sealitems such as pills, powders, or liquids within the central void of theinternal ejector punch between the pill pack's upper and lowermembranes, while the internal ejector punch serves to cut open the lowermembrane to allow for the safe and easy extraction of the items fromwithin the container when a sufficient downward force is applied to thedome or blister defining the upper surface of the compartments.

[0019] Specifically, as noted above, the internal ejector punch resideswithin the compartment defined by the depressing dome of the uppermembrane, and is sealed into the compartment by the lower membrane.Further, also as noted above, the internal ejector punch is eitherseparate from either membrane, or integral to the upper membrane, whilethe medication or other items to be dispensed reside with the voiddefined by the internal ejector punch. A cutting portion of the internalejector punch along the open end of the internal ejector punch isoriented approximately perpendicular to the upper and lower membranes,with the cutting portion of each internal ejector punch being arrayedwithin a corresponding compartment so as to cut through the lowermembrane as described below. Pills, powders, liquids or other items aresealed within the void or chamber of the internal ejector punch betweenthe upper and lower membranes of the pill pack or blister pack typecontainer. Note that as is common with such pill pack or blister packtype containers, the containers may include individual storagecompartments, or storage compartments arranged in rows and/or columns,or any other desired arrangement in order to provide a desired amount ofstorage.

[0020] The lower membrane is of sufficient strength to preventinadvertent tearing or rupturing of the membrane, even when carried in arelatively hostile environment, such as with metal keys in a user'spocket. However, the internal ejector punch is capable of cuttingthrough this membrane by simply depressing the dome thereby providing anopen path for rapid and complete evacuation of the chamber contents.

[0021] In operation, a user depresses the depressing dome or blister ofa particular compartment within the container which forces the cutterportion of the internal ejector punch through the lower membrane of thatcompartment, thereby opening the lower membrane and allowing the easyand complete release of the contents from the open end of the internalejector punch within the compartment. Unlike more complicated deviceswhich require manipulation of external cutter devices, or carefullypeeling back a membrane, a user having unsteady or shaking hands wouldbe able to depress the dome to open the compartment thereby releasingthe contents of the open ended void or chamber of the internal ejectorpunch.

[0022] Further, in one embodiment, because the volume of the chamberdecreases as the dome is depressed, the internal pressure within thechamber increases prior to cutting the lower membrane. This increasedpressure serves to propel the contents out of the open ended void orchamber of the internal ejector punch as the lower membrane is cut. Thisfeature is especially useful in dispensing powders and liquids.

[0023] For example, in one embodiment, the internal ejector punch isused in a blister pack comprising individual doses of medication withinindividual domes of the blister pack. As the dome is depressed, thecutter portion of the internal ejector punch cuts the lower membrane,and the increased pressure within the chamber propels the medicationwithin the chamber out where a user has immediate access to the dose ofmedication. Note that in alternate embodiments, the cutting portion ofthe internal ejector punch includes a serrated edge to allow for easiercutting of the lower membrane. Further, in alternate embodiments, thecutting portion of the internal ejector punch is notched, or otherwisediscontinuous along its circumference so as to ensure that at least aportion of the lower membrane remains attached after being cut. Thisembodiment is useful for ensuring that the portion of the lower membranethat is cut by the cutter is not completely cut loose from the blisterpack type container during use.

[0024] In addition, because there are no moving parts, simply aninternal ejector punch which is either disposed within blisters or domesof a conventional blister pack or the like, or integral to the uppermembrane of the blister pack or other protective surround, the internalejector punch can be easily and inexpensively fabricated by methods suchas injection molding using a thermoplastic-type compound. Note that withconventional blister pack type containers, the lower membrane istypically inexpensively and easily fabricated from any suitable materialsuch as, for example, metal foil or plastic. The upper and lowermembranes of such conventional blister pack type containers arepreferably bonded together, using conventional techniques, tohermetically seal the contents of at least one chamber.

[0025] Finally, note that in alternate embodiments, the internal ejectorpunch is injection molded or otherwise fabricated in any desired shape,so as to securely protect the contents which are disposed within theinternal ejector punch while providing a cutter for cutting through theprotective surround or membrane used to seal both the internal ejectorpunch and the item or items disposed within. As noted above, the cuttingof the lower membrane by the cutter on the open end of the void orchamber of the internal ejector punch provides for immediate access tothe item or items disposed within the internal ejector punch. Again,this cutting is achieved by simply pushing or depressing the dome orblister covering the internal ejector punch, thereby forcing the cutterportion of the internal ejector punch through the lower membrane orprotective surround, thus opening the lower membrane or protectivesurround and releasing the contents of the open ended void or chamber ofthe internal ejector punch to the user.

[0026] The foregoing and still further features and advantages of thepresent invention as well as a more complete understanding thereof willbe made apparent from a study of the following detailed description ofthe invention in connection with the accompanying drawings and appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The patent or application file contains at least one drawingexecuted in color. Copies of this patent or patent applicationpublication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office uponrequest and payment of the necessary fee. The specific features,aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become betterunderstood with regard to the following description, appended claims,and accompanying drawings where:

[0028]FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a blister pack type containerhaving a single storage compartment according to the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a blister pack type containerhaving a row of storage compartments according to the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of a blister pack type containerhaving both rows and columns of storage compartments according to thepresent invention.

[0031]FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view, partially broken away, ofthe blister pack type container of FIG. 1B, illustrating an internalejector punch disposed within a storage compartment.

[0032]FIG. 2B illustrates a semi-transparent top view, partially brokenaway of a blister pack type container, illustrating an internal ejectorpunch disposed within a storage compartment of the container.

[0033]FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic side elevation of a blister packtype container, illustrating an internal ejector punch integral to a topmembrane of the container, shown with a stored item.

[0034]FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic side elevation of the blister packtype container of FIG. 3, shown after dispensing the stored item.

[0035]FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic side elevation of a blister packtype container, illustrating an internal ejector punch placed within ablister or dome of the container, shown with a stored item.

[0036]FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic side elevation of the blister packtype container of FIG. 5, shown after dispensing the stored item.

[0037]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodimentof a free floating internal ejector punch shown for use in a blisterpack type container.

[0038]FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodimentof a free floating internal ejector multi-punch shown for use in ablister pack type container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In the following description of the invention, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which isshown by way of illustration a specific example in which the inventionmay be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and structural changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention.

[0040] 1.0 Overview:

[0041] The present invention is embodied in a protective surround incombination with an “internal ejector punch.” The internal ejector punchis either integral to an upper membrane of the protective surround, oris simply disposed within a dome or bubble of a conventionalblister-pack type device. For example, in the case of a protectivesurround such as a blister pack, the internal ejector punch provides thecapability to safely protect items within the blister pack such asmedication in solid, soft or semi-solid, powder, or liquid form, whileallowing such items to be easily and rapidly dispensed from the blisterpack by a user. Further, the internal ejector punch is designed to besubstantially stronger than the relatively soft blister-pack typecontainer, thereby providing the added benefit of protecting itemsstored within the internal ejector punch in a manner that would not bepossible using only a conventional blister-pack type container.

[0042] In general, the present invention is embodied in an “internalejector punch” defining a central open ended void or chamber withinwhich items that are to be dispensed are disposed. In one embodiment,this internal ejector punch is placed within a dome or blister of aconventional “blister pack” type container that is defined by a flexibleupper membrane including at least one depressing dome extending from thetop surface of the upper membrane, and a lower membrane which is sealedto the bottom of the upper membrane, thereby defining one or morestorage compartments within the container. Alternately, the internalejector punch is integral to the upper surface of the dome or blister.One advantage of providing an internal ejector punch which is separatefrom either membrane is that such an internal ejector punch can simplybe placed into existing blister pack type container designs without theneed to redesign such containers, or even retool the machinery used tofabricate such containers.

[0043] In either embodiment, items to be dispensed from within thecontainer are stored within the central void or chamber of the internalejector punch which serves the dual purpose of protecting those itemsand providing a mechanism for the easy and safe removal of the itemsfrom within the individual compartments of the container. Specifically,in either embodiment, the lower membrane of the container serves to sealitems such as pills, powders, or liquids within the central void of theinternal ejector punch between the pill pack's upper and lowermembranes, while the internal ejector punch serves to cut open the lowermembrane to allow for the safe and easy extraction of the items fromwithin the container when a sufficient downward force is applied to thedome or blister defining the upper surface of the compartments.

[0044] Specifically, as noted above, the internal ejector punch resideswithin the compartment defined by the depressing dome of the uppermembrane, and is sealed into the compartment by the lower membrane.Further, also as noted above, the internal ejector punch is eitherseparate from either membrane, or integral to the upper membrane, whilethe medication or other items to be dispensed reside with the voiddefined by the internal ejector punch. A cutting portion of the internalejector punch along the open end of the internal ejector punch isoriented approximately perpendicular to the upper and lower membranes,with the cutting portion of each internal ejector punch being arrayedwithin a corresponding compartment so as to cut through the lowermembrane as described below. Pills, powders, liquids or other items aresealed within the void or chamber of the internal ejector punch betweenthe upper and lower membranes of the pill pack or blister pack typecontainer. Note that as is common with such pill pack or blister packtype containers, the containers may include individual storagecompartments, or storage compartments arranged in rows and/or columns,or any other desired arrangement in order to provide a desired amount ofstorage.

[0045] The lower membrane is of sufficient strength to preventinadvertent tearing or rupturing of the membrane, even when carried in arelatively hostile environment, such as with metal keys in a user'spocket. However, the internal ejector punch is capable of cuttingthrough this membrane by simply depressing the dome thereby providing anopen path for rapid and complete evacuation of the chamber contents.

[0046] In operation, a user depresses the depressing dome or blister ofa particular compartment within the container which forces the cutterportion of the internal ejector punch through the lower membrane of thatcompartment, thereby opening the lower membrane and allowing the easyand complete release of the contents from the open end of the internalejector punch within the compartment. Unlike more complicated deviceswhich require manipulation of external cutter devices, or carefullypeeling back a membrane, a user having unsteady or shaking hands wouldbe able to depress the dome to open the compartment thereby releasingthe contents of the open ended void or chamber of the internal ejectorpunch.

[0047] Further, in one embodiment, because the volume of the chamberdecreases as the dome is depressed, the internal pressure within thechamber increases prior to cutting the lower membrane. This increasedpressure serves to propel the contents out of the open ended void orchamber of the internal ejector punch as the lower membrane is cut. Thisfeature is especially useful in dispensing powders and liquids.

[0048] For example, in one embodiment, the internal ejector punch isused in a blister pack comprising individual doses of medication withinindividual domes of the blister pack. As the dome is depressed, thecutter portion of the internal ejector punch cuts the lower membrane,and the increased pressure within the chamber propels the medicationwithin the chamber out where a user has immediate access to the dose ofmedication. Note that in alternate embodiments, the cutting portion ofthe internal ejector punch includes a serrated edge to allow for easiercutting of the lower membrane. Further, in alternate embodiments, thecutting portion of the internal ejector punch is notched, or otherwisediscontinuous along its circumference so as to ensure that at least aportion of the lower membrane remains attached after being cut. Thisembodiment is useful for ensuring that the portion of the lower membranethat is cut by the cutter is not completely cut loose from the blisterpack type storage container during use.

[0049] In addition, because there are no moving parts, simply aninternal ejector punch which is either disposed within blisters or domesof a conventional blister pack or the like, or integral to the uppermembrane of the blister pack or other protective surround, the internalejector punch can be easily and inexpensively fabricated by methods suchas injection molding using a thermoplastic-type compound. Note that withconventional blister pack type containers, the lower membrane istypically inexpensively and easily fabricated from any suitable materialsuch as, for example, metal foil or plastic. The upper and lowermembranes of such conventional blister pack type containers arepreferably bonded together, using conventional techniques, tohermetically seal the contents of at least one chamber.

[0050] Finally, note that in alternate embodiments, the internal ejectorpunch is injection molded or otherwise fabricated in any desired shape,so as to securely protect the contents which are disposed within theinternal ejector punch while providing a cutter for cutting through theprotective surround or membrane used to seal both the internal ejectorpunch and the item or items disposed within. As noted above, the cuttingof the lower membrane by the cutter on the open end of the void orchamber of the internal ejector punch provides for immediate access tothe item or items disposed within the internal ejector punch. Again,this cutting is achieved by simply pushing or depressing the dome orblister covering the internal ejector punch, thereby forcing the cutterportion of the internal ejector punch through the lower membrane orprotective surround, thus opening the lower membrane or protectivesurround and releasing the contents of the open ended void or chamber ofthe internal ejector punch to the user.

[0051] An internal ejector punch as described herein is preferablyfabricated of a thermoplastic compound, but may be fabricated of anysuitably flexible material that will not react chemically with thecontents stored within the internal ejector punch. Further, because thematerial of the blister pack type container in which the internalejector punch is disposed is preferably non-permeable to air and/ormoisture, such containers provide a hermetically sealed storageenvironment.

[0052]FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show exemplary arrangements of a blister packtype storage container having one or more dispensing chambers 110 inaccordance with the present invention. The chambers 110 may be singular,as in FIG. 1A, or multiple chambers may be joined as in FIGS. 1B or 1C,or in any other desired arrangement. Each chamber 110 is capable ofcontaining items in a small, hermetically sealed area, until such timeas use of the contained items is required. The material between thechambers is preferably perforated to allow a user to separate one ormore dispensing chambers 110, either before or after expending thecontents of those chambers.

[0053] 2.0 Components:

[0054]FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a “strip” of blister pack typestorage containers in accordance with the present invention. Eachblister pack is preferably formed of a flexible upper membrane 200having a depressing dome 210. An internal ejector punch 220 is disposedwithin the dome 210. As noted above, in alternate embodiments, theinternal ejector punch 220 is either integral to the dome 210, or simplyplaced within the dome.

[0055]FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the blister pack type storagecontainer showing the flexible upper membrane 200, the dome 210, theinternal ejector punch 220, and the internal chamber 240. In oneembodiment, the upper membrane 200, dome 210 and internal ejector punch220, are preferably of unitary construction, made from a flexibleplastic material, preferably in a single injection molding operation.This is advantageous in that the blister pack type container with theintegral internal ejector punch can be easily and inexpensivelymanufactured because it is effectively comprised of only two sections,an upper section having the dome 210 with the internal ejector punch 220which together form the chamber 240, and a lower section comprising thelower membrane 230 that is used to seal the upper section. However, theblister pack type storage container may also be made from othermaterials of suitable flexibility, and need not be of unitaryconstruction.

[0056] In an alternate embodiment, the internal ejector punch 220 issimply placed within a dome or blister of a conventional “blister pack”type container that is defined by a flexible upper membrane 200including at least one depressing dome 210 extending from the topsurface of the upper membrane, and a lower membrane 230 which is sealedto the bottom of the upper membrane, thereby defining one or morestorage compartments or chambers 240 within the container. As notedabove, this embodiment is advantageous in that it provides an internalejector punch 220 which is separate from either membrane, 200 or 230,and the internal ejector punch can simply be placed into existingblister pack type container designs without the need to redesign suchcontainers, or even retool the machinery used to fabricate suchcontainers.

[0057] The upper membrane 200 is preferably formed of a flexible plasticmaterial. The upper membrane 200 may be made as large or small asdesired in order to accommodate the desired number of dispensingchambers 240. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A through 1C, the uppermembrane 200 may consist of a single dispensing chamber 240, or as manydispensing chambers as desired, arranged in multiple rows and/orcolumns.

[0058] The material of the upper membrane 200 between the chambers 240is preferably segmented and/or perforated such that a user can separateone or more dispensing chambers 240 from the body of the upper membrane,either before or after expending the contents of those chambers.However, in one embodiment, fabrication of the upper membrane withoutsegmentation of the dispensing chambers serves to reduce the productioncost.

[0059] In general, the internal ejector punch 220 is forced through thelower membrane 230 as an operator depresses the flexible dome 210. Asthe dome 210 is depressed, the pressure within the dome increases untilthe cutters of the internal ejector punch 220 cut through the lowermembrane 230. Once the lower membrane 230 is cut, the increased pressurewithin the dome 210 helps to expel the contents of the dispensingchamber 240.

[0060] As noted above, in one embodiment, the internal ejector punch 220is an annular-shaped cutter or punch with the cutting portion of theinternal ejector punch extending from one end of the internal ejectorpunch towards the lower membrane 230. As shown in FIG. 2B, the cutter220 preferably has a gap or notch 250 in its circumference. The notch250 prevents the lower membrane 230 from being completely cut loose fromthe blister pack type storage container during use. Further, the notch250 is sufficiently narrow that the small portion of the lower membrane230 that is not cut during operation will not interfere withdispensation or egress of the chamber 240 contents. The cutter 220creates a hole through the lower membrane 230 sufficient to provide anopen path for rapid and complete evacuation of the chamber contents.

[0061] Note that in alternate embodiments, the internal ejector punch220 can have any cross section desired. For example, rather than beinglimited to an annular shaped cutter, the internal ejector punch 220 canbe specially shaped to fit the contents which it is designed to protect.For example, the internal ejector punch 220 can have any of a square,rectangular, circular, or any other geometric cross section as desired.

[0062] Regardless of the cross sectional shape of the internal ejectorpunch 220, the internal ejector punch is preferably disposed within thedome 210, whether integral or free floating, as described above, and isoriented between and generally perpendicular to the upper and lowermembranes 200 and 230, respectively. As noted above, in one embodiment,the upper end of the internal ejector punch 220 is attached to theinterior surface of the dome 210, with the bottom end of the internalejector punch floating above the lower membrane 230 prior to use.

[0063]FIG. 3 shows a side view of one embodiment of the internal ejectorpunch 220 showing the flexible upper membrane 200 with the depressingdome. Note that in this embodiment, the internal ejector punch 220 isintegral to the dome 210. In one embodiment, this dome 210 ishermetically sealed with the lower membrane 230, to form a dispensingchamber 240, after dispensable items are placed with the dome. Asillustrated by FIG. 3, the internal ejector punch 220 is disposed withinthe dome 210 surrounding one or more dispensable items 300.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, the depressing dome 210 forms an integralpart of the upper membrane 200, and is preferably formed at the sametime as the upper membrane as one continuous piece. The flexibility ofthe membrane is preferably such that the dome 210 is stiff enough toprotect the contents of the dispensing chamber 240, yet flexible enoughto deform downwardly and inwardly when the user applies a downward forceto the top of the dome 210. However, it should be noted that in oneembodiment, the portion of the internal ejector punch 220 which formsthe central open ended void or chamber within which items that are to bedispensed are disposed is substantially less flexible than the uppermembrane in order to provide additional protection to items stored withthe borders of the internal ejector punch.

[0065] Alternately, as illustrated by FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a base of theinternal ejector punch 220 rests on the lower membrane within thedispensing chamber 240. In this embodiment, the base of the internalejector punch 220 extends below the cutting portion of the internalejector punch. Consequently, the cutting portion of the internal ejectorpunch again floats above the lower membrane 230 prior to use. Note thatas illustrated by FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the sides of the internalejector punch 220 flex as the depressing dome 210 is depressed, therebyallowing the cutting portion of the internal ejector punch to come intocontact with, and thereby cut through, the lower membrane 230.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lower end of the internal ejectorpunch 220 is sufficiently sharp to easily and rapidly cut through thelower membrane 230 when the user depresses the dome 210. However, thecutter 220 is preferably not sharp enough to cut through skin, orotherwise cause injury to the user as it protrudes beyond the lowermembrane 230 during and after use. User operation with either theintegral internal ejector punch, or the free floating internal ejectorpunch is identical. Note that in alternate embodiments, the lower end ofthe internal ejector punch for cutting through the lower membrane 230 isdesigned to cut through particular lower membrane types. For example,the lower end of the internal ejector punch 220 can be flat, serrated,or any other desired cutting shape or configuration.

[0067] The dispensing chamber 240 is disposed within the depressing dome210. The sides of the dispensing chamber 240 are formed by the interiorof the structure of the internal ejector punch 220. The top of thechamber 240 is formed by the interior of the depressing dome 210 (whichis formed from the upper membrane 200), while the lower membrane 230forms the bottom of the chamber. Consequently, items stored within thechamber 220 are surrounded by the internal ejector punch 220, andcovered by the upper and lower membranes 200 and 230.

[0068] The lower membrane 230 is preferably formed from a metal foil orplastic material. The lower membrane 230 is preferably of sufficientstrength to prevent inadvertent tearing or rupturing of the membrane,even when carried in a relatively hostile environment, such as withmetal keys in a users pocket. However, the strength of the lowermembrane 230 is such that the internal ejector punch 220 is capable ofcutting through this membrane by simply depressing the dome 210 using areasonable amount of force.

[0069] The lower membrane 230 is bonded to the base of the uppermembrane 200 once the chambers 240 are filled with the desired contents.Bonding of the lower membrane 230 to the upper membrane 200 creates ahermetically sealed storage chamber 240 which protects the stored itemsuntil such time as the user depresses the dome 210 to cut the lowermembrane and eject the chamber contents.

[0070] 3.0 Operation:

[0071]FIG. 3 shows an item such as a pill 300 stored within the internalchamber 240 within the internal diameter of an integral internal ejectorpunch 220. In operation, as illustrated by FIG. 4, a user depresses thedepressing dome 210 which forces the cutting end of the internal ejectorpunch 220 through the lower membrane 230, thereby opening the lowermembrane and allowing the release of the pill 300, or other contents ofthe chamber 240 to the user.

[0072] Similarly, FIG. 5 shows an item such as a pill 500 stored withinthe internal chamber 240 within the internal diameter of a free floatinginternal ejector punch 220. In operation, as illustrated by FIG. 6, auser depresses the depressing dome 210 which forces the cutting end ofthe internal ejector punch 220 through the lower membrane 230, therebyopening the lower membrane and allowing the release of the pill 500, orother contents of the chamber 240 to the user.

[0073] In either embodiment, unlike with more complicated devices whichrequire manipulation of external cutter devices, or carefully peelingback a membrane or seal, a user having unsteady or shaking hands wouldtypically be able to depress the dome 210 to open the chamber 240thereby releasing the contents.

[0074] Because the lower membrane 230 is cut to allow egress of thechamber 240 contents, the internal ejector punch 220 of the presentinvention ensures that the contents of the chamber are not forcedthrough the lower membrane as is typical of other “blister pack” typedevices. This feature is advantageous in that it may be difficult orimpossible to rupture or break a lower membrane without a cutter orpunch where the chamber contains a liquid, powder, or other relativelysoft item. In addition, use of the internal ejector punch 220 preventsdamage to relatively soft items, such as nitroglycerin pills, whichcould not be forced through a membrane or seal without being pulverized.

[0075] Further, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the volume of the chamber240 decreases as the dome 210 is depressed. Because the dome 210 isflexible, it deforms downwardly and inwardly when pressure is applied toits top surface, thereby decreasing the volume within the chamber 240.Consequently, the internal pressure within the chamber 240 is increasedas the volume is decreased prior to cutting the lower membrane 230. Theincreased pressure preferably assists in expelling or propelling thecontents out of the chamber 240 as the internal ejector punch 220 cutsthe lower membrane 230. This feature is especially useful in ensuringcomplete and rapid dispensing of powders or liquids from within thechamber 240.

[0076] 4.0 Additional Embodiments:

[0077] As discussed above, with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, in oneembodiment, the internal ejector punch 220 is simply placed within ablister pack type container rather than being integral to the dome ofsuch a container. Consequently, such an internal ejector punch 220 canbe said to be free floating, as it is not attached to either the upperor the lower membrane of such a container. FIG. 7 provides athree-dimensional photographic view of an exemplary free-floatinginternal ejector punch 220. Note that the shape of this internal ejectorpunch 220 is generally hemispherical; with the center portion of theinternal ejector punch 220 including a cutting edge on its lower surfacefor penetrating the lower membrane during use as described above.

[0078] As should be appreciated by those skill in the art, the generalshape of this internal ejector punch 220 is ideally suited to be placedinto any of a number of pre-existing conventional blister pack typecontainers without the need redesign or otherwise modify suchconventional containers. Consequently, this embodiment of the internalejector punch 220 is especially useful where extra protection and easeof access to stored items within a blister pack type container is aconcern because the internal ejector punch 220 can simply be added tosuch containers as the containers are filled with medication or otheritems prior to being sealed.

[0079] In a related embodiment, the internal ejector punch 220 is a“multi-punch.” In particular, as illustrated by FIG. 8, an internalejector multi-punch 820 includes one or more internal ejector punchesintegrated into a single unit. Such a single unit can be easilyfabricated via conventional processes such as, for example injectionmolding of thermoplastic-type materials. Note that in this embodiment, ablister pack type container is assembled by bonding or otherwise sealingan upper membrane 800 to a lower membrane 830. Note that as describedabove, prior to bonding the upper and lower membranes, the internalejector punch, which in this case is the internal ejector multi-punch820 and the items 840 to be dispensed are first placed between the upperand lower membranes. Note as with the blister pack type containersdescribed above, the upper membrane includes a depressing dome 810 foreach chamber within the blister pack type container.

[0080] In this embodiment, the internal ejector multi-punch 820 includesa separate punch for each chamber of the blister pack type container,with each punch being held above the lower membrane by a flexible armextending from the body of the internal ejector multi-punch 820.

[0081] Clearly, this embodiment is not limited to the configurationshown. For example, any number of punches, in any desired configurationand shape, can be fabricated into a single internal ejector multi-punch820, then sealed between an upper and a lower membrane, as shown, foruse in dispensing medication or other items from within the chambers ofthe blister pack type container.

[0082] The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forthe purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. For example, the internal ejector punch may be scaled to anydesirable size or shape and placed within a suitably sized blister packtype container to carry larger or smaller items such as, for example,electronic components or food items. Further, the shape of the dome maybe varied without adversely affecting its utility. For example, the domemay be hemispherical, cubical, or any other shape capable of containinginternal ejector punch and the dispensable items. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description,but rather by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An internal punch for opening a chamber in ablister-pack type container, comprising: a free floating flexibleejector punch disposed within a chamber of a blister-pack type containerbetween a domed upper membrane and a frangible lower membrane; said freefloating flexible ejector punch cutting through the lower membrane toopen the chamber by applying pressure to the domed upper membrane. 2.The internal punch of claim 1 wherein at least one item is stored withina central cavity within the internal punch.
 3. The internal punch ofclaim 2 wherein at least one item stored within the central cavitywithin the internal punch is released from the central cavity when thecutting edge of the ejector punch is forced through the lower membrane.4. The internal punch of claim 1 further comprising a cutting edgedefining a bottom end of the central cavity.
 5. The internal punch ofclaim 4 wherein the cutting edge is serrated.
 6. The internal punch ofclaim 4 wherein the cutting edge is generally perpendicular to thesurface of the frangible lower membrane.
 7. A system for opening achamber in a blister-pack type container, comprising: a blisterpack-type container having an upper membrane comprising at least oneflexible dome, each dome defining a central void; an ejector punchdisposed within the central void of at least one dome, said ejectorpunches having an open end which defines a central cavity within eachejector punch; a cutting edge defining the open end of each ejectorpunch; a lower membrane attached to the bottom of the upper membrane,thereby sealing an ejector punch in at least one dome; and opening atleast one chamber in the blister pack type container by pressing thedome into the ejector punch, thereby forcing the cutting edge of theejector punch through the lower membrane.
 8. The system of claim 7wherein the ejector punch disposed within the central void of at leastone dome is integral to at least one of the domes.
 9. The system ofclaim 7 wherein the ejector punch disposed within the central void of atleast one dome is free floating within at least one of the domes. 10.The system of claim 7 wherein at least one item is stored within thecentral cavity within each ejector punch.
 11. The system of claim 7wherein at least one item stored within the central cavity within eachejector punch is released from the central cavity when the cutting edgeof the ejector punch is forced through the lower membrane.
 12. Adispenser for storing and dispensing material in a solid, powder, orliquid form, comprising: an upper membrane comprising at least oneflexible dome, each dome defining a central void; a lower membraneattached to the bottom of the upper membrane; and an annular cutterextending down from the interior surface of each dome toward the lowermembrane.
 13. The dispenser of claim 12 wherein medication is storedwith the inner circumference of at least one of the annular cuttersextending down from the interior surface of each dome.
 14. The dispenserof claim 12 wherein the at least one flexible dome deforms downwardlyand pushes the corresponding annular cutter against the lower membraneto cut through the lower membrane when an external downward force isapplied to the top of that dome.
 15. The dispenser of claim 14 wherein aspace formed within the flexible dome is initially airtight so that thedownward deformation of the at least one dome increases pressure withinthat dome prior to the cutter cutting through the lower membrane. 16.The dispenser of claim 15 wherein the increased pressure within the atleast one dome propels the stored medication from within the dispenseras the membrane is cut.
 17. A method for dispensing items stored withina dispenser comprising: applying a downward force to a blister disposedon an upper surface of an upper membrane that forms a top of thedispenser, thereby deforming the blister and decreasing an internalvolume of the dispenser; increasing the pressure within the dispenser bydecreasing the internal volume of the dispenser; cutting a lowermembrane, which seals the dispenser, with an annular cutter whichextends down from within the blister towards the lower membrane.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 further comprising propelling the items from withinthe dispenser by using the increased pressure to propel the items fromwithin the dispenser after the lower membrane is cut.
 19. The method ofclaim 18 wherein cutting the lower membrane comprises pushing theannular cutter through a portion of the membrane by applying thedownward force to the blister.
 20. The method of claim 19 whereincutting the lower membrane comprises cutting a piece of the membranesuch that a small portion of the piece remains attached to the membranethereby preventing the cut piece from being propelled or otherwisereleased with the items.
 21. A dispenser for storing and dispensingmaterial, comprising: an upper membrane comprising at least one flexibledome, each dome defining a central void; a lower membrane attached tothe bottom of the upper membrane; and an annular punch disposed withinthe interior volume of each dome, said annular punch having a cuttingedge generally perpendicular to the lower membrane, and resting abovethe lower membrane.
 22. The dispenser of claim 21 wherein the annularpunch disposed within the interior volume of each dome is integral toeach dome.
 23. The dispenser of claim 21 wherein the annular punchdisposed within the interior volume of each dome is free floating withineach dome.
 24. The dispenser of claim 21 wherein medication is storedwith an inner circumference of at least one of the annular cutters. 25.The dispenser of claim 21 wherein the at least one flexible dome deformsdownwardly and pushes the corresponding annular cutter against the lowermembrane to cut through the membrane when an external downward force isapplied to the top of that dome.